Webinar Geopolitical Dynamics and Its Impact to Energy Transition Agenda in Southeast Asia Region and Indonesia
Background
Recent actions of the United States (US) foreign policy have heightened global uncertainty, characterized by inconsistent commitments to multilateralism, selective engagement in international conflicts, and unilateral diplomatic actions. Notably, the US has withdrawn from major international organizations related to climate-energy, e.g. UNFCCC, IPCC, IRENA, as part of a broader departure from 66 international organizations and treaties considered misaligned with US interests (The White House, 2026). Critics argue that these actions undermine global climate cooperation and may weaken international frameworks that facilitate clean energy collaboration and finance (Reuters, 2026). In early 2026, US military intervention in Venezuela, including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and efforts to control the country’s oil resources, prompted diplomatic responses from Southeast Asian nations (The Diplomat, 2026). Collectively, these developments reinforce perceptions of an assertive and unpredictable US approach, with significant implications for international norms and regional stability, as well as policy discourse on energy transition and climate agenda.
These geopolitical shocks carry significant implications for Southeast Asia, a region widely recognized as one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable region. As energy demand rapidly surges and the region navigates to shift towards low-carbon development pathway, Southeast Asia relies heavily on stable multilateral institutions for climate finance, technical assistance, and coordinated policy frameworks to support energy transition and adaptation efforts (ASEAN, 2024). A retreat by the US from global climate leadership risks weakening these support structures at a time when Southeast Asia faces escalating climate impacts, growing energy demand, and constrained fiscal space (Zeiner-Morris and Lyhong, 2025). As a result, heightened geopolitical uncertainty may complicate Southeast Asia’s efforts to pursue a timely, affordable, and just energy transition (Hsu and Landa, 2025).
For Indonesia, these challenges are particularly pronounced. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a leading actor in the Global South, Indonesia needs to navigate geopolitical risks alongside its national development and energy transition priorities (Antara, 2025). Indonesia has adopted a strategy of diversified partnerships and pragmatic diplomacy, aiming to uphold its non-aligned foreign policy tradition while engaging with multiple global actors (The Jakarta Post, 2026). Its leadership at both regional and international levels positions Indonesia as a key stakeholder in advancing inclusive and equitable energy transition pathways amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
In this context, Institute for Essential Services Reforms (IESR) intends to organize a Webinar titled “Geopolitical Dynamics and Its Impact to Energy Transition Agenda in Southeast Asia Region and Indonesia”. The webinar aims to examine how current geopolitical landscape and unpredictable US foreign policies impact the evolving geopolitical landscape and assess their implications for ASEAN and Indonesia, with a particular focus on energy transition, regional stability, and the Global South leadership.
Objectives
- To assess the current geopolitical situation and its impacts on ASEAN and Indonesia’s Energy Transition.
Speakers
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Erina Mursanti - Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - IESR
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Dr. Christopher Len - Senior Fellow and Co-coordinator - Climate Change in Southeast Asia Program - ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute
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Angelika Marie David - Manager for Energy Policy - Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC)
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Prof. Dr. Nur Rachmat Yuliantoro S.I.P. M.A. - Lecturer - Studies in Human Society / American Government and Politics / Political Science - Gadjah Mada University*
